Newsroom

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of employees at UnitedHealthCare in Ulster County.

UnitedHealthCare is the largest private sector employer in the County. Beyond their corporate issues, the employees had the same message over and over again: they were concerned about being taxed out of New York. They were concerned that not only are businesses leaving New York but that they and their children will not be able to stay here.

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C – Mt. Hope) is drafting legislation to repeal the requirement that motorists make two appearances in traffic court in order to plea bargain or have a trial on a traffic ticket.

The Hudson River Valley Greenway has proven to be a positive influence in the region. It has encouraged better local planning and provided funds for beautification around the region.

When the Greenway was created, it excluded communities in the Catskill State Park. In 2006, I wrote the legislation - which became law to allow those communities in Ulster County to participate, regardless of whether or not they are in the Catskill Park.

For years I have fought against the leadership driven nature of the State Senate and Assembly. I fought against it when the Republicans were in charge, fought against it when the Democrats were in charge, and am fighting now harder than ever to reform Albany and end the politics as usual that have paralyzed the State Senate.

Town of Hurley resident Victoria Langling was recently honored by the State Senate as our District's 2009 "Woman of Distinction". Ms. Langling's service includes volunteering for the following organizations:

Town of Hurley resident Victoria Langling was recently honored by the State Senate as our District's 2009 "Woman of Distinction". Ms. Langling's service includes volunteering for the following organizations:

After the vote on June 8 to change leadership, Senate Democrats refused to come to session day in and day out. Now, they have locked themselves into the Senate chamber, refusing to hand over the gavel.

You don't have to take my word for it, read the NY Daily News (from June 24, 2009):

Last week two Democrat Senators – Pedro Espada and Hiram Monserrate left their Democratic Caucus to vote for new Senate rules which empower “rank and file” members of the Senate. For that vote, they were promptly called a “thief” and a “thug” by Austin Shafran, who is the official spokesman for New York Democrats in th

Attached are the new Senate Rules adopted June 9, 2009. These rules substantially reform the way the Senate operates, largely in line with the report I issued in April along with Senators Griffo and Winner.

Senator John Bonacic, who has long champtioned political independence from party leaders (http://tinyurl.com/mxpmcb), and took on his own party's leadership calling for change in the past (http://tinyurl.com/nqeufg), urges Senate Democrats to enact promised Rules reforms (

June 2, 2009: State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C – Mt. Hope), supported by District Attorneys and concerned advocates throughout the State, is fighting to see legislation enacted which would fix a dangerous problem created by Democrats who changed the State’s drug laws as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

Senator Bonacic discusses how the State law has been changed to now allow drug dealers records to be sealed. This would allow those convicted of serious crimes to apply for any job - including teacher and day care worker and their employers and the public would have no idea about their past criminal record.

Starting this Memorial Day weekend, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection will be opening up parts of the Cannonsville Reservoir for recreational kayaking, canoeing, sculls, and for small sailboats, like Sunfish. Access is from sunrise to sunset and will run from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus weekend. The Delaware County Chamber's tourism office is producing a brochure outlining all the information you need to know on the rules and regulations for the Cannonsville.